Stefany Reed is a local leader in personal wellness and safety education. With over 20 years of experience in education, social work, community building, and self-defense, Stefany Reed empowers people in mental, physical, and emotional wellness. As CEO of Mama Wellness Coaching, Ms. Reed supports women in wellness through individual coaching, workshops, classes, speaking events, and local and international retreats. As the Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for Kidpower San Diego, Ms. Reed teaches people of all ages and abilities how to take charge of their emotional and physical safety.
Stefany Reed graduated with Honors from UC Santa Cruz with a double major in philosophy and art in 1997. She earned a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology from Sophia University in Palo Alto in 2003. Ms. Reed became a certified Kidpower Instructor in 2004 and received a personal coaching certification in 2010. Ms. Reed has been a practitioner and teacher of martial arts for over 25 years. She is a proud mom of 3 and has expertise in supporting families with neurodiverse children. Ms. Reed firmly believes that differences should be valued and works to create a world in which all people can thrive and reach their full potential.
About Stefany Reed
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am happily married to Dr. Reed, a pediatrician at Sharp. Together, we have three brilliant and creative children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. We share our home with three dogs, a bunny, and a 70-year-old desert tortoise.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love teaching Kidpower, running wellness retreats, and coaching privately one-on-one. In the space of a few hours at a Kidpower workshop, I see people move from unsure to capable and confident. Because of a single Kidpower class, a person may avoid being the victim of abuse, bullying, and assault. Even better, they are equipped with skills for a lifetime of safety. “People Safety” should be as basic as Fire Safety, Water Safety, and Car Safety. Over the next few years, I would love to see Kidpower become a household name in San Diego and bring these services to as many individuals, families, schools, groups, businesses, and corporations as possible.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind to everyone, especially the people you see as a problem. If we all lived by the golden rule to treat others the way we would like to be treated, many of the world’s greatest problems would be solved.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Thriving! Running retreats, working with clients on personal empowerment and wellness, and having Kidpower skills be foundational in every school and business in San Diego.
Stefany Reed & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love City Tacos, Konnichwa, and Banbu Sushi… And I have to admit, I do a lot of drive-throughs at Taqueria Vallarta and La Esquina.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born in SoCal, went to NorCal for my education, and came back to San Diego about 13 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Alison Lindsay, LMAAC art teacher. Mrs. Lindsay is an indescribable wonder in the classroom and treats the students in her class like her own beloved family. She changes lives through art and her great big heart.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
La Mesa First United Methodist Church. This church has been a part of La Mesa for 100 years. The Childcare Center here is phenomenal, and the teachers are awesome. I would love to see this old church get the funding it needs to maintain this beautiful old church building and keep the preschool thriving.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Mt. Helix and Mission Trails. Both of these places are little nooks of serenity just beyond city life. Nature is calming and grounding, and I am glad we have these places to enjoy natural beauty and peace.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Hands down, Dr. Brené Brown. Brené is a master educator and researcher in the field of leadership, interpersonal relationships, and emotions. I would take her to The Aubrey Rose, and we could slowly sip tea together.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Mulan is one of my favorite movies – it must be the martial artist in me. When it first came out, I was thrilled to finally see Disney creating a powerful and competent female character who knew how to get things done and take action. My husband and son are big Star Wars fans, and I’ve been stoked to see the new Ahsoka series. Again, powerful women represented in film is long overdue. I love seeing women as warriors, generals, and presidents. I’m glad to see our culture is starting to evolve.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I lived in Japan for a year to study Aikido in the culture from which it was developed. It was an incredible experience to immerse myself in another culture.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pets. Animals are animated, unconditional love.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children, all children.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
The Humane Society, the Garden Project, the Zoo, Mission Trails, the Natural History Museum, and the Fleet Science Center
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do the thing you think you cannot.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
La Mesa
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Great neighbors and great schools.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A relaxing morning hike through Mission Trails followed by a fun day in Balboa Park. In the evening, we’d treat ourselves to dinner out at Banbi Sushi. Sunday for resting and family time.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Comfort. Beauty.
